GB2304658A - Combination display unit for a motor vehicle - Google Patents

Combination display unit for a motor vehicle Download PDF

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Publication number
GB2304658A
GB2304658A GB9618157A GB9618157A GB2304658A GB 2304658 A GB2304658 A GB 2304658A GB 9618157 A GB9618157 A GB 9618157A GB 9618157 A GB9618157 A GB 9618157A GB 2304658 A GB2304658 A GB 2304658A
Authority
GB
United Kingdom
Prior art keywords
display element
illuminated
background brightness
region
display unit
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Granted
Application number
GB9618157A
Other versions
GB9618157D0 (en
GB2304658B (en
Inventor
Dieter Futschik
Norbert Weber
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Daimler Benz AG
Original Assignee
Daimler Benz AG
Mercedes Benz AG
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Daimler Benz AG, Mercedes Benz AG filed Critical Daimler Benz AG
Publication of GB9618157D0 publication Critical patent/GB9618157D0/en
Publication of GB2304658A publication Critical patent/GB2304658A/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of GB2304658B publication Critical patent/GB2304658B/en
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Expired - Lifetime legal-status Critical Current

Links

Classifications

    • G—PHYSICS
    • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01D—MEASURING NOT SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR A SPECIFIC VARIABLE; ARRANGEMENTS FOR MEASURING TWO OR MORE VARIABLES NOT COVERED IN A SINGLE OTHER SUBCLASS; TARIFF METERING APPARATUS; MEASURING OR TESTING NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • G01D11/00—Component parts of measuring arrangements not specially adapted for a specific variable
    • G01D11/28—Structurally-combined illuminating devices
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60K—ARRANGEMENT OR MOUNTING OF PROPULSION UNITS OR OF TRANSMISSIONS IN VEHICLES; ARRANGEMENT OR MOUNTING OF PLURAL DIVERSE PRIME-MOVERS IN VEHICLES; AUXILIARY DRIVES FOR VEHICLES; INSTRUMENTATION OR DASHBOARDS FOR VEHICLES; ARRANGEMENTS IN CONNECTION WITH COOLING, AIR INTAKE, GAS EXHAUST OR FUEL SUPPLY OF PROPULSION UNITS IN VEHICLES
    • B60K35/00—Instruments specially adapted for vehicles; Arrangement of instruments in or on vehicles
    • B60K35/60—Instruments characterised by their location or relative disposition in or on vehicles
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60Q—ARRANGEMENT OF SIGNALLING OR LIGHTING DEVICES, THE MOUNTING OR SUPPORTING THEREOF OR CIRCUITS THEREFOR, FOR VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60Q3/00—Arrangement of lighting devices for vehicle interiors; Lighting devices specially adapted for vehicle interiors
    • B60Q3/10—Arrangement of lighting devices for vehicle interiors; Lighting devices specially adapted for vehicle interiors for dashboards
    • B60Q3/14—Arrangement of lighting devices for vehicle interiors; Lighting devices specially adapted for vehicle interiors for dashboards lighting through the surface to be illuminated
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60Q—ARRANGEMENT OF SIGNALLING OR LIGHTING DEVICES, THE MOUNTING OR SUPPORTING THEREOF OR CIRCUITS THEREFOR, FOR VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60Q3/00—Arrangement of lighting devices for vehicle interiors; Lighting devices specially adapted for vehicle interiors
    • B60Q3/10—Arrangement of lighting devices for vehicle interiors; Lighting devices specially adapted for vehicle interiors for dashboards
    • B60Q3/16—Circuits; Control arrangements

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Combustion & Propulsion (AREA)
  • Transportation (AREA)
  • Instrument Panels (AREA)
  • Indicating Measured Values (AREA)
  • Details Of Measuring Devices (AREA)
  • Arrangements Of Lighting Devices For Vehicle Interiors, Mounting And Supporting Thereof, Circuits Therefore (AREA)
  • Lighting Device Outwards From Vehicle And Optical Signal (AREA)

Abstract

A combination display unit for a motor vehicle has a primary display element 2 and at least one secondary display element 3 for representing and displaying various operating parameters. When a parameter represented by a secondary display element reaches a critical value, this is displayed visually to the user by an increase of the background brightness of all or part of the display element. The primary display element 2, the speedometer, always has at least a part thereof illuminated with this increased brightness.

Description

1 Combination display unit for a motor vehicle 2304658 The invention
relates to a combination display unit for a motor vehicle, having a primary display element and at least one secondary display element for representing and displaying regularly detected operating parameters.
A combination display unit of this type has already been disclosed (EP 0 041 741 Bl, in particular Figs. 5 and 6), in which a speed-displaying primary display element, as well as various secondary display elements (for example rotational-speed display, fluid-level display, temperature display etc.) for representing and displaying various regularly detected operating parameters, are represented with equal status in normal operation.
However, the reaching of a critical operating parameter is conveyed visually to the user by the representation of the appropriate secondary display element being magnified.
In this case, it is considered disadvantageous that both the primary display element and the secondary display element are displayed to the user with equal status in normal operation. The driver may, as a result, be distracted from events on the carriageway due to the resultant optical and informative overwhelming of the senses. A er disadvantage in the representation of a critical operating parameter value is that free spaces have to he reserved in order to be able to carry out the magnification of the representation of the relevant secondary display element, or that secondary display elements, which display normal operating parameter values, are overwritten or faded out; problem-free reading of the secondary display elements is thus no longer possible.
JP 5-24 462 discloses a display device for a vehicle, in which secondary displays are illuminated with reduced brightness.
In addition, it is known from DE 40 31 870 Al to indicate the reaching of critical parameter values by the display flashing or by the colour changing, for example.
The present invention seeks to develop a combination display unit in such a manner that the senses of the user are prevented from being overwhelmed in normal operation by many displays but, nevertheless, in critical cases the user 2 is signalled the critical operating parameter value without adversely affecting the secondary display elements displaying normal operating parawn values.
According to the present invention there is provided a combination display unit for a motor vehicle, having a primary display element and at least one secondary display element for representing and displaying regularly detected operating parameters, the reaching of a critical operating parameter value being displayed visually to the user by the optical representation of the relevant secondary display element being changed, wherein, in normal operation at least one region of the primary display element serving for the vehicle speed display is illuminated with an increased background brightness and at least one region of the secondary display element is illuminated with the background brightness, and, when the critical operating parameter value is reached, at least one region of the relevant secondary display element is additionally illuminated with increased background brightness.
Preferably, at least one region of the primary display element is illuminated with increased background brightness and at least one region is illuminated with the background brightness as a function of at least one speedrelated additional function.
According to the invention, in no operation all of the secondary display elements are illuminated with a background brightness and only the speeddisplaying primary display element is illuminated with an increased background brightness.
As a result, it is possible for the user to take in the most significant information, i.e. the vehicle speed, without being distracted by other display elements. It is nevertheless possible for the user also to take in other information (for example level of the fuel tank) if desired.
When critical operating parameter values occur, the user is automatically informed about this by the relevant secondary element likewise being illuminated with the increased background brightness. It is furthermore possible for the user, however, likewise to read all of the other display elements, if desired.
Possible critical operating parameter values which have to be A bl 3 represented are, for example, fuel level in the fuel tank in the reserve range, cooling-water temperature no longer in the safe operating range.
Within the scope of general environmental pollution, a sensible mode of operating the motor vehicle is displayed in respect of fuel consumption, exhaust emission, care of the driving engine, and therefore the leaving of the optimum rotational-speed range is likewise to he taken as a critical operating parameter value. The display therefore shows the user that he has left the optimum engine rotational-speed range, and a gear- changing procedure (in the case of manual gearboxes) should be initiated.
In addition, in the case of an automatic gearbox with possibility of a manual gear change the display can show the user, by means of the increased background brightness of the secondary element (rotationalspeed display) that the gearbox is in manual gear change mode. In normal automatic operation the secondary element is illuminated only with the background brightness.
An exemplary embodiment of the invention is illustrated in the drawing and is described in more detail in the following. In the drawing:
Fig. 1 shows a schematic representation of a combination display unit with the primary display element represented in increased background brightness, Fig. 2 shows the combination display unit according to Fig. 1, but with a secondary display element likewise represented in increased background brightness,
Fig. 3 and Fig. 4 show a schematic representation of the combination display unit with marker regions of the primary display element represented in increased and in background brightness.
As can be seen in Fig. 1, the combination display unit 1 comprises a primary display element 2 (speedometer) and various secondary display elements 3, i.e. a secondary display element for the fuel level of the fuel tank 3. 1, for the cooling-water temperature display 3.2 and for the engine-speed display 3.3.
The optical appearance of the representation of the primary display element 2 and of the secondary display elements 3 is composed of a band region 4.2 in the shape of a circular segment and composed of individual line andlor 4 marker regions 4. 1, a scale region 4.3 with measurement figures arranged in the shape of a circular segment, a unit-of-meemcnt region 4.4 for displaying the unit of measurement, a pointer region 4.5 and, if required, a symbol region 4.6 for representing the symbol which characterizes the display element.
In the exemplary embodiment, in the case of the representation of secondary display elements 3 with proportion display the unit-ofmeasuremcnt region 4.4 is dispensed with, and in the case of the engincspeed display 3.3 the symbol region 4.6 is dispensed with. In the case of the representation of the primary display element 2 the symbol region 4.6 is likewise dispensed with.
Fig. 1 shows an exemplary embodiment in normal operation in which all of the regions of the primary display element 2, and in the case of the secondary display elements 3 the scale region 4.3, the unit-ofmeasurement region 4.4, the symbol region 4.6 and the pointer region 4.5 arc illuminated with the increased background brightness; only the band region 4.2 of the secondary display elements 3 is illuminated with the background brightness.
However, a multiplicity of other representation possibilities in normal operation is conceivable. Thus, for example, in the case of the secondary display elements 3 only the symbol region 4.6 might be illuminated with the increased background brightness, or all of the regions of the secondary display elements 3 are illuminated only with the background brightness.
As can be seen in Fig. 2, when a critical operating parameter value is reached all of the regions of the appropriate secondary display element 3. 1 are illuminated, in the same way as the primary display element 2, with the increased background brightness. If a plurality of operating parameters reach their critical value a plurality of secondary display elements 3 are represented with the increased background brightness.
Fig. 3 and Fig. 4 show by way of example the combination display unit 1 in normal operation with a switched-on, speed-related additional function in which not all of the regions of the primary display element 2 are illuminated with the increased background brightness.
Fig. 3 thus shows a form of representation of the combination display unit 1 with switched-on SPEED LIMIT FUNCTION. In the case of this function, the individual marker regions 4.1 from the speed set (here 100 km/h) up to the possible maximum value (here 260 km/h) of the band region 4.2 are illuminated with the background brightness. All of the other regions of the primary display element 2 are illuminated with the increased background brightness. The commencing of a critical operating parameter value is epresented analogously to the description to Fig. 2. Further possible speedrelated additional functions which may be mentioned here are the CRUISE CONTROL FUNCTION and the DISTANCE-CONTROL CRUISE CONTROL FUNCTION.
In this case, in normal operation with CRUISE CONTROL FUNCTION switched on, the marker regions 4.1 from the lowest value (here 0 km/h) of the band region 4.2 up to the speed set are illuminated with the background brightness. All of the other regions of the primary display element 2 are illuminated with the increased background brightness.
Fig. 4 shows a form of representation of the combination display unit 1 with DISTANCE-CONTROL CRUISE CONTROL FUNCTION switched on. In the case of this function, all of the individual marker regions 4. 1, except for the marker region 4. 1.1 which corresponds to the speed determined, are illuminated with the background brightness. All of the other regions of the primary display element 2 are illuminated with the increased background brightness. The commencing of a critical operating parameter value is represented analogously to the description to Fig. 2.
The representation of the CRUISE CONTROL and SPEED LIMIT FUNCTION is likewise possible analogously to the description to Fig. 4. In this case, the marker region 4. 1.1 illuminated with the increased background brightness corresponds to the speed set.
6 C12ims 1. A combination display unit for a motor vehicle, having a primary display element and at least one secondary display element for representing and displaying regularly detected operating parameters, the reaching of a critical operating parameter value being displayed visually to the user by the optical representation of the relevant secondary display element being changed, wherein, in normal operation at least one region of the primary display element serving for the vehicle speed display is illuminated with an increased background brightness and at least one region of the secondary display element is illuminated with the background brightness, and, when the critical operating parameter value is reached, at least one region of the relevant secondary display element is additionally illuminated with increased background brightness.

Claims (1)

  1. 2. A combination display unit according to Claim 1, wherein at least one
    region of the primary display element is illuminated with increased background brightness and at least one region is illuminated with the background brightness as a function of at least one speed-related additional function.
    3. A combination display unit for a motor vehicle, substantially as described herein with reference to, and as illustrated in, the accompanying drawings.
    Amendments to the claims have been f lied as follows 1. A combination display unit for a motor vehicle, having a primary display element and at least one secondary display element for representing and displaying detected operating parameters, the reaching of a critical operating parameter value being displayed visually to the user by the optical representation of the relevant secondary display element being changed, wherein, in normal operation at least one region of the secondary display element is illuminated with a background brightness and the primary display element serving for the vehicle speed display is illuminated with above background brightness and when the critical operating parameter value is reached, at least one region of the relevant secondary display element is additionally illuminated with a brightness which is increased above background brightness.
    2. A combination display unit according to Claim 1, wherein at least one region of the primary display element is illuminated with above background brightness and at least one region is illuminated with the background brightness as a function of at least one speed-related additional function.
    3. A combination display unit for a motor vehicle, substantially as described herein with reference to, and as illustrated in, the accompanying drawings.
GB9618157A 1995-09-02 1996-08-30 Combination display unit for a motor vehicle Expired - Lifetime GB2304658B (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
DE19532427A DE19532427C1 (en) 1995-09-02 1995-09-02 Combination display unit for motor vehicles

Publications (3)

Publication Number Publication Date
GB9618157D0 GB9618157D0 (en) 1996-10-09
GB2304658A true GB2304658A (en) 1997-03-26
GB2304658B GB2304658B (en) 1997-08-13

Family

ID=7771110

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
GB9618157A Expired - Lifetime GB2304658B (en) 1995-09-02 1996-08-30 Combination display unit for a motor vehicle

Country Status (6)

Country Link
US (1) US5673987A (en)
JP (1) JP3103811B2 (en)
DE (1) DE19532427C1 (en)
FR (1) FR2738195B1 (en)
GB (1) GB2304658B (en)
IT (1) IT1284263B1 (en)

Cited By (2)

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DE29715340U1 (en) * 1997-08-27 1998-02-12 Pasligh Josef Double tachometer
DE19755470A1 (en) * 1997-02-24 1998-09-24 Marius Dipl Ing Tegethoff Display system for vehicles

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DE19646104C1 (en) * 1996-11-08 1998-04-02 Bosch Gmbh Robert Device for selecting and displaying speeds
DE19705452A1 (en) * 1997-02-13 1998-08-20 Bosch Gmbh Robert Dual analogue read-out scale for combined instrument, e.g. vehicle speedometer
DE19844316A1 (en) * 1998-09-28 2000-03-30 Bosch Gmbh Robert Illuminated display scale device
DE19944067A1 (en) * 1999-09-14 2001-03-15 Mannesmann Vdo Ag Procedure for displaying primary and secondary information
JP3620443B2 (en) * 2000-12-05 2005-02-16 日産自動車株式会社 Automotive display device
KR100754470B1 (en) * 2002-07-08 2007-09-03 이노베이티브 솔루션즈 앤드 서포트 인코포레이티드 Method and Apparatus for Facilitating Entry of Manually-Adjustable Data Setting in an Aircraft Cockpit
US8132117B2 (en) * 2002-07-08 2012-03-06 Innovative Solutions And Support, Inc. Method and system for highlighting an image representative of a flight parameter of an aircraft
DE60325244D1 (en) * 2002-07-08 2009-01-22 Innovative Solutions & Support Inc METHOD AND DEVICE FOR EASILY SEEING IN A FLAT SCREEN FOR CREW MEMBERS OF AN AIRCRAFT
JP4190852B2 (en) * 2002-10-11 2008-12-03 株式会社デンソー Vehicle instrument
US9140716B2 (en) * 2004-06-07 2015-09-22 Sharp Kabushiki Kaisha Display system for vehicle and vehicle
US20080018488A1 (en) * 2006-07-19 2008-01-24 Siemens Vdo Automotive Corporation Enhanced gauge tracking system
DE102007018075B4 (en) * 2007-04-17 2021-11-25 Volkswagen Ag Method and device for displaying a parameter by means of a scale
DE102007026283B4 (en) * 2007-06-05 2020-04-02 Volkswagen Ag Display device for a vehicle with several round instruments
FR2978706A1 (en) * 2011-08-03 2013-02-08 Peugeot Citroen Automobiles Sa Speed display device for autonomous cruise control type variable speed limiting device of car, has unit partially/completely screening non-useful zone comprising graduations above target speed i.e. maximum speed, attainable from car
DE102012014452A1 (en) 2012-07-21 2014-01-23 Audi Ag Display element, display instrument, display method, use of a light guide and vehicle
TWI647674B (en) * 2018-02-09 2019-01-11 光陽工業股份有限公司 Navigation method and system for presenting different navigation pictures

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EP0351259A1 (en) * 1988-07-11 1990-01-17 Automobiles Peugeot Analogous indicating device with a luminous needle and limit value indication
GB2278320A (en) * 1993-05-28 1994-11-30 Daimler Benz Ag Vehicle risk-of-collision warning has display area which changes shape and colour

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EP0351259A1 (en) * 1988-07-11 1990-01-17 Automobiles Peugeot Analogous indicating device with a luminous needle and limit value indication
GB2278320A (en) * 1993-05-28 1994-11-30 Daimler Benz Ag Vehicle risk-of-collision warning has display area which changes shape and colour

Cited By (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE19755470A1 (en) * 1997-02-24 1998-09-24 Marius Dipl Ing Tegethoff Display system for vehicles
DE29715340U1 (en) * 1997-08-27 1998-02-12 Pasligh Josef Double tachometer

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
ITRM960593A1 (en) 1998-02-26
GB9618157D0 (en) 1996-10-09
IT1284263B1 (en) 1998-05-14
DE19532427C1 (en) 1996-11-21
US5673987A (en) 1997-10-07
JP3103811B2 (en) 2000-10-30
ITRM960593A0 (en) 1996-08-26
GB2304658B (en) 1997-08-13
FR2738195A1 (en) 1997-03-07
JPH09126820A (en) 1997-05-16
FR2738195B1 (en) 1999-10-22

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732E Amendments to the register in respect of changes of name or changes affecting rights (sect. 32/1977)